Madigan subpoenas Massage Envy locations in Elmhurst and Naperville
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan issued subpoenas Wednesday to find out more about sexual misconduct reported at Massage Envy locations in Elmhurst and Naperville, among others.
Madigan's office issued a news release Wednesday saying she issued subpoenas to the franchiser Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and four of its Illinois-based franchisees as part of an investigation into claims the spa chain failed to appropriately handle sexual assault allegations made by customers.
The two other Illinois franchisees subject to the subpoenas are in Chicago and Tinley Park, the release said.
Madigan's investigation comes as women across the country are saying they were sexually assaulted by male massage therapists at Massage Envy locations.
Madigan said her office is seeking information about the company's policies, employee training, and handling of complaints related to sexual assault and sexually inappropriate behavior.
"I appreciate the women who have reported the sexual assaults they experienced during their massages," she said in the release. "I issued subpoenas to Massage Envy because the public has a right to know what Massage Envy's policies are and what steps the company takes to prevent and address sexual assaults."
A BuzzFeed News investigation published Sunday reported that more than 180 women throughout the country said they were sexually assaulted while receiving services at Massage Envy spas.
Massage Envy issued a statement Monday saying the complaints documented by BuzzFeed News spanned a period of more than 15 years, calling each account heartbreaking.
Assistant Attorney General Cassandra Halm is handling the case for Madigan's Franchise and Consumer Fraud Bureaus.
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